corelli

Responses from corelli

SET amplifier (for AvantGarde Duo's-original) recommendations
I can suggest the Erhard Ray. Listening to it right now. Will come in under way under budget. Dead quiet. Premium transformers. Suggest you wear Depends as you may lose control of bodily functions. 
How long do speakers last?
The surrounds are all rubber on those drivers.  Clarity Cap on the tweeter.  I would worry more about my hearing going bad before the speakers do.  
DIY Amp
Can't imagine this would not fit the bill.    
Do Turntables sound better with time?
And the truth, like most things in life, lies somewhere in between.    
Do Turntables sound better with time?
Most all mechanical things have a break in period. You did not state if you are using the built in phono preamp but that would be another item to consider. How audible are these factors? All depends but seems no reason to doubt what you have noted.  
Marantz,..then vs. now.
Depends.  Their reference series gear is of excellent build and sound quality and certainly would be competitive with other "high end" gear.  The Marantz badge also is applied to other products that are more mainstream.  
Basement Listening Room With Superior Walls
So are you in the process of building your home?  
Interesting situation! Do we need this....
To answer your question........no.  
48gbps Hdmi 2.1 Cable Recommendations
Supra.    
Sad to hear the good people at Timbernation had a fire (and no insurance).
Even if it was an intentional decision, I would have a hard time looking down on someone who made a decision to not carry insurance if they are willing to accept the risk and consequences.  The insurance industry is corrupt, greedy, and sorely in ... 
Best Basic CD Player (no SACD, USB, etc.)
Just before the holidays several dealers were offering the Denon DCD-1600NE for $899 (normal price $1499).  Couldn't resist at that price. I can highly recommend this player.  The price has gone up since but it is still a very good bargain.  Well ... 
Two Rotel preamp sound different
@thyname  My apologies.  Reread your post and your your thought is clear.  
Two Rotel preamp sound different
"If they are different models, even from the same brand, it is highly likely they sound different. That's obvious. Unless I am missing something here?" If this were true you would only buy the entry level of every offering out there. Yes, you are... 
Tekton Double Impacts
Nothing has changed. In a call to Eric years ago, he told me the speakers were tuned to around 32hz or so. That’s what I hear. Strong output to 30hz. Still loving these speakers. Have tried OB, single full range driver/SE triode amps, and the DI'... 
Quicksilver with Walnut Faceplates at Aural HiFi
As Gram used to say, to each his own.  These units are decidedly utilitarian and I can admire them for that.  Very Tekton-like.  All your audio bucks going towards maxing out the sound quality/dollar ratio.  For me, the walnut faceplate seems out ...